Yellow Wonder Alpine strawberry is not difficult to start from seeds.
It is recommended for beginner (strawberry) gardeners looking for more uncommon variety to try.
These seeds were easy to germinate.
In fact, it took less than 4 days when we sowed them on December 26, 2018.
Please follow this post on how to germinate strawberry seeds.
The second batch of seeds was sowed on the 23rd and they germinated within 3 days on the 26th.
Seed leaves showed on December 29, 2018.
We grew them in soil and liquid-based (KRATKY) to observe their progress.
They were a relatively uneventful journey unlike most of the white strawberry varieties.
SOIL BASED OBSERVATIONS –
Similar to the whites, this variety took a long time to establish themselves compared to the common garden red alpines.
In fact, from the germination stage to the second set of true leaves took as long as a month.
These seedlings remained small until the third month where more spurts in growth were observed.
As the leaves are more susceptible to rot, it is best to not get them wet.
To water trays of seedlings safely and in minimal time, we utilized a water bath method (soil absorb water from the bottom).
Watering for two full trays took less than 10 minutes in water baths.
It is also important to set the seedlings well, especially from the infancy stage like these, else they will wilt.
Tip – Reduce watering from 3rd month and the roots zone needs aeration.
Fling test (taught in SG Strawberries’ workshops) was used to ascertain the settling position.
Extra Tip – Young strawberries seedlings are best started indoors, sheltered from our heavy torrential storm and tropical afternoon heat until the third month.
Like most non-red varieties, they grew very slowly and seem more susceptible to crown rot if the soil is too wet or there is not enough sun.
The color of stems and crown are less vivid in soil.
LIQUID BASED OBSERVATIONS
Compared to soil-based plants, hydro plants grew better.
Plants’ settling technique and nutrients for different stages played an important role to establish healthy plants, especially in KRATKY (non circulating hydroponic) method.
Compared to the wane soil-based plant above, hydro plants showed more vigorous color from 3rd month.
FLOWERS
This variety took almost 6 months to show flowers and another month to harvest.
FRUITS
The fruits are small and yellow with little seeds compared to red varieties.
However, the fruiting “season” is quite long, over 5 months in our climate.
